OPERATION

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.

Move motion control lever to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds. Move lever to full reverse position and hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this procedure three (3) times.

NOTE: During this procedure there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive system.

Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. Shut- off engine and set parking brake.

Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in driving position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).

Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.

Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion control lever to the neutral (N) position. Repeat this procedure with the motion control lever three (3) times.

Your tractor is now purged and now ready for normal operation.

MOWING TIPS

Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.

Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the machine. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting.

When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished (See Fig. 10).

If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip- pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.

Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing.

Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to assure better mowing performance and proper dis- charge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting perfor- mance as well as the quality of cut desired.

When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used.

FIG. 10

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.

The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct sun.

For best results, adjust the mower cutting height so that the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades (See Fig. 11). For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly.

Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAX 1/3

FIG. 11

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Poulan PPR17H42STC, 173284 owner manual Mulching Mowing Tips

173284, PPR17H42STC specifications

The Poulan Pro PPR17H42STC is a versatile lawn tractor that is designed to deliver exceptional performance in maintaining your lawn and garden. This powerful machine offers a combination of advanced features, robust technology, and user-friendly characteristics, making it an ideal choice for both homeowners and landscape professionals.

One of the standout features of the Poulan Pro PPR17H42STC is its robust 17.5-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. This reliable engine provides ample power to tackle a variety of mowing tasks efficiently, ensuring that even thick grass and uneven terrain are no match for its performance. Coupled with a hydrostatic transmission, this lawn tractor offers smooth acceleration and easy maneuverability, allowing the operator to navigate tight corners and challenging landscapes with ease.

The PPR17H42STC also boasts a 42-inch reinforced cutting deck, which is designed for durability and strength while delivering a professional-quality cut. The deck features a side-discharge capability, enabling the user to disperse clippings evenly across the lawn, promoting healthy grass growth. Additionally, the cutting height can be easily adjusted to suit varying lawn conditions, making it adaptable to changing seasons and grass types.

Another notable characteristic of this model is its ergonomic design, which includes a comfortable seat and user-friendly control layout. The high back seat provides support during longer mowing sessions, while the pedal-operated controls are intuitive, ensuring that users can focus on mowing without struggling with complicated mechanisms.

In terms of technology, the PPR17H42STC is equipped with a range of innovations aimed at enhancing the mowing experience. The integrated headlights provide improved visibility during early morning or late evening mowing sessions, while the easy-to-use ignition switch allows for quick and hassle-free starting.

Furthermore, this lawn tractor features a built-in mulching capability, allowing users to recycle grass clippings back into the lawn. This not only reduces yard waste but also provides essential nutrients to the soil, fostering a healthier lawn.

In summary, the Poulan Pro PPR17H42STC is a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly lawn tractor that combines advanced technology with practical features. Whether you are maintaining a small garden or a large lawn, this machine is designed to meet your needs effectively.